Giving Thanks

So every year much like the rest of the country I try to take a moment to acknowledge those things for which I am most thankful. This year my list, my cup, my life, is full of wonderful things and people. Very simply, I am grateful for a loving family, caring friends and a great job. I know that I am fortunate to have these things and I try not to take them for granted.

Tomorrow morning I’ll be up early, hoping for some sunshine in the autumn sky as I take on my very first 5K Turkey Trot. Then I’m off to spend the day with family and friends so I wanted to share my list a little early.

This year I am thankful for:

·        My parents who have survived 35 years of not seeing eye to eye and still gave us a loving home

·        My sister who brings out the best in me, is brave when I’m afraid, and holds our mom’s hand when I’m too far away to reach

·        My brother who makes me laugh, sees the world differently than most, and reminds me to take time to relax

·        My husband who is devoted to making our life together filled with love, endless memories, and amazing experiences

·        My amazing friends and family who invite me to their table when I might otherwise be dining alone

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, have a wonderful day.

The Final Chapter

In 2008 I read all four Twilight Saga books over the course of about a month, about a book a week. That’s pretty fast for me since I like to get lost in the words of the book I’m reading. I like to linger on the phrasing and meanings of the words the author chose. I say names aloud to hear what they sound like in the real world. And I think about great characters even after the end of the last chapter, sometimes they linger in my mind, and walk through my day with me.

The emotion that Stephanie Meyer wove into her tale between Bella and Edward captivated me. I had never read a book or seen a movie about a vampire before; it was not a genre I had an interest in until Meyer’s characters came to live inside my mind. Love them or hate them, Edward and Bella changed me as a reader, expanded my world to include lots more Young Adult fiction, especially fantasy, and regenerated my desire to read again.

But more importantly, reading Stephanie Meyer’s books revitalized the writer in me. I mean this in the very best way; her commonness reminded me that greatness was possible by anyone, including me. Her ability to pull readers into her world, to breed loyalty and ignite passion for these imagined characters inspired me to create my own characters.

After years of keeping myself busy with keeping busy I finally picked up a laptop and started writing. I always knew I wanted to be a writer, to create my own space in this vast world and live through a character or two. As a kid, I relished trips to the library with my mom, choosing a stack of different stories to take home and escape into. We were never wealthy, but my imagination was rich with colors and characters and adventures. Being a kid in Middletown Ohio, I thought I could only dream of going to the exotic places and doing the amazing things I’d only read about.

Thirty years later, I realize that I’m no Blume, Tolkien, Rowlings, Meyer or Austen but after reading their books, I’ve finished two of my own. And I’m working to wrap the third book of the trilogy. A Marked Past changed me from a dreamer to a believer, A History Renewed taught me to keep living my dream, and this third book will complete my fantasy. It will transform me from one of those people that I’ve read about to being one of those people I always admired – an author.

Cupcakes and Candles

This morning I woke up early to the sound of a daschund whining, made coffee, had some breakfast, and now I am taking a few minutes to think about what I have done in 36 years of existence. My life is small compared to some; I have not saved lives or funded industry changing concepts. I have not studied to the point of PhD or sung in public for a fee but I am happy most days. I have been a joyful kid, a bossy older sister, a loving spouse, and a trusted friend.

I left home but always love going back for a visit. I adore my family, whisper with my mom, laugh with my dad, and cherish my siblings. I know what I come from and respect how that has shaped who I am today. I’ve created a home of my own and love everything that lives inside those walls. I put out positive and friendly in hopes that it will come back to me. I work hard, look to the future, encourage others and always continue to dream.

I don’t have a bucket list because I want to do it all. I stand up and admire what is before me. Nature inspires me so I take moments to enjoy a deep breath of cold air in the morning, I gaze into the sky and smile at the moon, and I reach my hand into the sunlight and absorb its warmth. Honor and patriotism humble me so I work every day to support our country and armed forces. I thank veterans, and shake the hands of military retirees – they gave me freedom.

I’m not perfect but I think I’m ok with that. I am a full figured woman with a few lumps and lines here and there. I have a temper that I have to curb, a tongue that I have to bite at times, but I try to remind myself to live freely, seek happiness, and walk away from the negative in the world. I watch family movies, remember things like when a baby laughs a fairy gets her wings. I live by the words of The Hobbit “never laugh at live dragons.” I read slowly, relishing the meaning of passages and emotion in prose. I write often, nearly every day, I dream overtly, on paper, and put it out for all to see.

I chase my dreams until I stretch high enough to reach them. I am thankful for what I have, try not to be envious for what I want, and live happily. I’ve written two books, am working to finish a third and have ideas for a few more. I have a great job, great friends, an amazing family, and a husband that brings me more happiness than I could ever imagine.

Have my 36 years been perfect, nah. Would I have it any other way….never.